ROVFARGO, N.D. (AP/CSi) – Authorities have suspended the water search for a snowmobiler who is believed to have gone through the ice on the Sheyenne River at West Fargo.

Thirty-four-year-old Cole Schwindt, of Moorhead, Minnesota, has been missing since Dec. 2. Divers later found his snowmobile submerged in the river, and police say he is believed drowned.

Searches have been conducted using boats, dogs, divers and electronic equipment.  UndFoot searches will continue in the area, but police say water searches won’t resume until spring

Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says, the local water rescue team assisted at the scene six times during the search.

He says the Jamestown Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) that assisted in the search was damaged, likely a circuit board, and that officials are getting an estimate on the repair costs which will be submitted to insurance.

He stresses that Jamestown has a “loaner” ROV and is ready for use, if called upon.

He pointed out that the ROV manufacturer, Video Ray, located in Pennsylvania over-nighted a new ROV and Friday at no charge  and the North Dakota Highway Patrol in Jamestown brought the ROV to the scene of the river search so the operation could continue.